Coccidiosis: Tecnozoo’s Advice
Encouraging the development of a healthy microbial flora to protect the intestinal mucosa from colonization by common intestinal pathogens like coccidia.
When discussing diseases that affect intestinal health, it is impossible not to think about coccidiosis.
Coccidiosis is one of the most economically impactful diseases in the poultry sector.
Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease caused by protozoa of the genus Eimeria.
In chickens, there are seven known species (E. tenella, E. acervulina, E. mitis, E. brunetti, E. praecox, E. necatrix, and E. maxima), each characterized by different pathogenicity and intestinal localization.
The most common symptoms associated with coccidiosis include: malabsorption, diarrhea, decreased productivity, and worsening of the conversion ratio.
Due to the development of drug resistance and the growing consumer demand for antibiotic-free production, the poultry industry faces a significant challenge in finding effective alternatives to control this parasite.
USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS
The use of essential oils in animal nutrition to support intestinal health has proven to be one of the most important applications of these substances.
Essential oils are chemical mixtures with extremely complex compositions.
Each chemical component imparts an individual effect that contributes to a synergistic action and a final effect depending on the nature and composition of the essential oil used.
The different properties attributed to essential oils are linked to this synergy of components, even though the mechanisms of action are not yet entirely clear due to this complexity in their composition.
MECHANISM OF ACTION OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils seem to interfere directly with parasitic metabolism by disrupting biochemical processes through changes in membrane permeability or indirectly by immunomodulating the host’s response and supporting the host’s antioxidant systems.
The antioxidant power of phenolic compounds in essential oils plays a significant role in countering oxidative damage caused by stressed cells, such as parasitized cells.
When used correctly, some studies show that certain essential oils can modulate intestinal bacterial flora and the host’s defenses to support proper intestinal function.
Maintaining host defenses and developing a healthy microbial flora protects the mucosa from colonization by common intestinal pathogens like coccidia.
COXI STOP is a product based on essential oils developed from Tecnozoo’s experience with these components in animal nutrition to support the normal physiological balance of the intestine, especially during stress periods that affect its functionality and predispose the animal to potential pathogen and parasite attacks.
INCORRECT MANAGEMENT OF BEDDING: THE MAIN PREDISPOSING FACTOR FOR COCCIDIA DEVELOPMENT
Excessively wet bedding predisposes the development of environmental pathogens like coccidia. The increase in environmental oocyst load is the basis of infestation; therefore, proper bedding management is one of the main preventive measures.
Factors leading to a higher incidence of “wet bedding” include incorrect ventilation techniques and improper adjustment of the watering system.
It is often challenging to reduce the moisture level of bedding, which is why Tecnozoo has developed LT PLUS, an environmental product for bedding that uses the synergistic action of calcium salts to reduce moisture and create an environment hostile to the proliferation of coccidia and other pathogens.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- Adhikari et al., 2019 – “An approach to alternative strategies to control avian coccidiosis and necrotic enteritis”
- Michalina Adaszyńska-Skwirzyńska, Danuta Szczerbińska, 2016 – “Use of essential oils in broiler chicken production – a review”
- Article in World’s Poultry Science Journal · December 2016 “The potential of antioxidant rich essential oils against avian coccidiosis”
- D. Chapman, 2014 – “Milestones in avian coccidiosis research: A review”
- Eqbal M. A. Dauqan1*, Aminah Abdullah, 2017 – “Medicinal and Functional Values of Thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) Herb”
